MPV Commentary

Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.

Currently viewing commentary for John 1

Sections for John 1
Joh 1:1-14 The Word Made Flesh.
Joh 1:15 A Saying of the Baptist Confirmatory of This.
Joh 1:16-18 Same Subject Continued.
Joh 1:19-36 The Baptist's Testimony to Christ.
Joh 1:37-51 First Gathering of Disciples--John Andrew, Simon, Philip,
Joh 1:16-18 Same Subject Continued.

Same Subject Continued.

The fullness of Christ is described as "grace and truth" (John 1:14), which is resumed here in John 1:16. This refers to the successive communications and larger measures of God's favor that come through Christ, as each person is able to receive them. The word "truth" is dropped here, but "grace" encompasses all that dwells in Christ for humanity.

The law reveals our need for redemption by exposing our sinfulness (Romans 6:14), but it only points to the reality of salvation. In contrast, the gospel actually communicates power and truth from God above. Paul describes the old covenant as a "shadow" (Colossians 2:17) compared to the new covenant, which is the substance.

No one has seen God through direct intuition or immediate gaze. However, Jesus has declared God in the most intimate way possible, being in the closest relationship with Him as His Son. This unique access and understanding of God are expressed by saying "he" alone has revealed God.